Mapping between part numbers that are based on different part numbering schemes

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for mapping between part numbers that are based on different part numbering schemes includes receiving a first part number associated with an item, the first part number associated with the item being defined according to a first part numbering scheme. A database is searched for one or more second part numbers that are associated with the item and also cross-referenced to the first part number associated with the item, the one or more second part numbers associated with the item being defined according to one or more corresponding second part numbering schemes. In response to identifying the one or more second part numbers associated with the item, a database is searched for a third part number that is associated with the item and also cross-referenced to at least one second part number associated with the item, the third part number associated with the item being defined according to a third part numbering scheme, the first part number associated with the item being mapped to the third part number associated with the item through the at least one second part number associated with the item.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates in general to computer-implemented procurement and, more particularly, to mapping between part numbers that are based on different part numbering schemes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In certain procurement transactions, sellers such as high-tech contract manufacturers or electronics vendors receive Purchase Orders (POs) or Requests For Quotation (RFQs), often involving Bills Of Materials (BOMs), from customers. Typically, in such transactions, the item numbers for the parts in the PO or RFQ are based on the part numbering scheme of the customer. Consequently, in order to process a customer's PO or RFQ, a seller may first need to convert each of the customer part numbers to a corresponding internal part number based on the seller's own, internal part numbering scheme.[0003]For example, FIG. 1 illustrates how a customer part number 10 for an item can be mapped to a number of different manufacturer part numbers 12,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]According to the present invention, problems and disadvantages associated with previous part number mapping techniques may be reduced or eliminated.

[0007]Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more technical advantages. For example, the present invention may allow a user to determine if a customer part number is associated with any internal part numbers in the user's other existing contracts. As a result, the present invention may allow a user to more effectively utilize internal part numbers to aggregate material purchase volumes in order to formulate more accurate item prices using leveraged volume aggregation techniques. Also, the present invention may inhibit part number proliferation, which may help to reduce the complexity and cost for a user to manage and maintain a database of part numbers. The present invention may also allow users of computer-implemented procurement systems to translate, cross-reference, or otherwise map between part numbers using a “universal” part numbering scheme, or Lingua Franca of sorts (i.e. language used over a wide geographic area as a means of communication—generally to facilitate commerce and trade—by people who have no other language in common). In a similar manner, certain embodiments of the present invention may advantageously facilitate commerce and trade. Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide some, all, or none of these advantages. One or more other technical advantages of the present invention may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, description and claims included herein.

Problems solved by technology

However, certain problems may exist with an approach such as that shown in FIG. 2.

As a result, the mapping approach illustrated by FIG. 2 does not allow a seller to effectively utilize its internal part numbers to aggregate material purchase volumes in order to formulate more accurate item prices using known leveraged volume aggregation techniques.

Furthermore, the one-to-one mapping approach illustrated by FIG. 2 results in part number proliferation, and the resulting quantity of internal part numbers becomes exceedingly complex and costly for a seller to manage and maintain, due to the fact that a new internal part number must be created for every customer part number.

Images